Amelia-Nie

I had the privilege recently to 

to visit the children in church and talk to them 

specifically about the Apostle Paul who overcame many

trials and hardships in his life. He was an amazing man and Apostle.

It was really fun, and I love kids so much because

 they are innocent and so funny! 

Before I spoke, one of the teachers stood in front

of the room to introduce me as a guest speaker.

She started to share a little about who I was and also

that I had been in a airplane crash.

One of the kids blurted out in all seriousness:

WAIT, AMELIA EARHART IS HERE?!

I could barely hold it together, I was laughing so hard.

I think I know what I'll be for Halloween.

Speaking of Halloween....do you realize that tomorrow we celebrate OCTOBER!!

We Nielson's always have a fun dinner, donuts, cider, and of course watch

our favorite Halloween cartoon, it's a Nielson tradition!

(2012)

What Does Heaven Look Like?

After a busy week of school, work, temple trips, 

 parent conferences and plenty of homework,

we finally made it to the weekend.

Usually weekends in The White House mean that life slows down for us,

 and our family can hang out and connect.

I hope that's in our forecast.

Speaking of the forecast, sheesh, the weather here

lately has been killing me (and NOT in a good way).

  Upper 90's all week. Blahhhh.

My body has already started craving cooler weather and change,

and I am still patiently waiting on North Carolina

 to feel the same way as I do.

I could go for weeks with dark clouds or rain or snow, 

or all three at the same time!

Does that make me weird?

Once my kids and I were talking about what our heaven looks like,

and turns out my heaven is what fall looks like here in North Carolina,

and if I'm honestly honest, my heaven has

 parts of what I imagine January looks like in Alaska.

Whatever your weekend looks like, I hope it turns

 out to be your heaven on earth.

* * * *

There is a new book coming out about

 the story of 16-year-old burn survivor named Ava 

who searches for her "new normal" after a fire left her with severe scars. 

Scars Like Wings is beautifully and honestly written.

Often throughout the book I was brought to tears as 

I reflected on my journey as a burn survivor.  

It also reminded me of how strong and amazing we humans are!

It's a good read!

* * * * * * *

Spiritual Enlightenment: A Home Where the Spirit of the Lord Dwells

Half-Day, Hooray!

Today was a half-day in school for the Little Nies- which was perfect
because then we were able to spend

most of our day with friends again touring the newly
 reconstructed Raleigh temple.

Christian and I had invited several friends and neighbors
to tour this gorgeous building,
and three separate groups of our friends were able to
 join us at different times of the day.

The temple is so special to our family and we want everyone
we know to be apart and see this beautiful place.

The Little Nies invited friends from school, we invited neighbors
and co-workers, and even strangers we didn't know got an invite!

My feet hurt from standing and walking,

and my mouth is sore from smiling.

After our last tour was over and the sun was setting,
we jumped in the car and drove
to the high school to watch the 3rd and 4th quarter
 of Oliver's football game.
(They won by a 1 point field goal!).

Where heaven touches earth.

After school, the Clane came into my bedroom where

 I was lying on my bed, preparing for the bewitching 

dreaded 4:00 rush hour before dinner.

The girls plopped down on the couch, and then we talked about

 school, boys, dating, college, and upcoming plans.

I love these girls so much.

 They make me feel old and young all at the same time,

 and when I get gray hair, it will be because of them.

But I am also confident that they will keep me sharp

and on my toes as long as I am alive.

The men they will marry someday 

will be the luckiest dudes that ever lived.

My biggest hope is that these unknown boys 

somewhere in the world are making good choices NOW

 as they mature and become men.

I hope they are preparing for their future and their families

just like my wise strong God-fearing girls are.

Then I reminded the girls that I would need them to clean up after dinner, 

pick up Oliver from football practice, keep Nicholas focused on homework,

then Jane needed a ride to violin lessons later in the evening.

Lottie, Christian, and I were meeting Lottie's good friend from school, and her

family at the newly reopened Raleigh Temple open house for a tour.

The temple is gorgeous, and the inside is stunning.

As I walked the halls of this beautiful edifice,

 I felt the truth confirmed to me:

the temple is a symbol of forever families, 

hopeful futures, endless peace, and joy, 

and eternal life with loved ones.

I couldn't help but reflect on the conversation

I had earlier with Clane in my bedroom.

We talked in depth about marriage, families, and futures, 

and for members of 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the temple

 is where all of those goals and dreams happen.

"The temple of God is the most sacred place of worship in the world — a place

 where heaven touches the earth, a place where marvelous

 blessings are bestowed, and a place where we can feel closer to

 our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and strive to become more like Them."

Impossible

 

On our weekly lunch date, Mr. Nielson and I decided

 to try out the new Impossible Whopper at Burger King. 

 It wasn't that memorable, I mean I don't much like food that is trying

 to taste like something else.

  I'm more of a black bean burger gal myself.

But it was so fun to get a giant Dr. Pepper and french fries,

and honestly doing anything with Mr. Nielson is fun.

We sat in the back of the truck parked on our property 

with a nice autumn breeze blowing.

We talked about our kids, the burger, our kids some more, and the burger again.

Then we concluded that the new 0% beef Whopper is a nice option

 for when we are on the road and need a place to eat- 

but we probably wouldn't be stopping by anytime before then.

(Now I am sounding like I'm plugging the IW--which I am not).

Then we walked the property line and talked about plans, dreams,

building, life, and the timing to it all which is most important.

As we approached the truck and just as I was getting inside, 

I looked down and saw HUNDREDS (I am NOT exaggerating) 

of microscopic tics on my pant legs.

Now I am afraid the Impossible Whopper will now remind me of

tiny itty bitty disgusting tics, so maybe that will be the first and last

time I try that burger.  

Tics are sooooooooooo gross.

Just the two of us.

This weekend the older Nies plus Mr. Nielson went on

 a camping trip to the Outer Banks.

The weather was nice, the water lovely, but the mosquitoes were

devastating, especially for Nicholas who came home from the trip looking like

he had chickenpox.

At The White House, Lottie and I had the 

whole weekend planned, in fact, she 

made a list of all the things she wanted to do together.

The list included things like:

 eat out (twice!), sleep in my bed (she's a little heating pad...whew!), 

watch a movie, (2019 Aladdin- much to my chagrin),

 buy a toy, (a little vet kit from Target),

make a treat, (hot chocolate),
 decorate for Halloween (smoking Scary Sharif Skeleton:),

make books together (have you heard of Storybird.com?),

and read books together, (I pulled out all our Halloween ones!!).

I added, "go to the nursery" on the list so we could start planting

 our fall foliage around The White House. 

And early Saturday morning we planted 

mums, ornamental cabbage, coleus, and something else

that's bright red and gorgeous.

I don't know what I would do without Lottie.  

I love hearing her little voice in the back of the car talking

 to me about everything important in her little world,

because everything that is important to her

is important to me!

This week begins the Raleigh Temple open house, 

we are so excited to bring our friends to see this beautiful place!

Last Saturday was officially the first day of the tours,

and over 8,000 people attended!

JOIN US! 

( I'll be there every evening this week!)

HAPPY FALLLLLLLLL!!!!!
(My Favorite!)

Heavy and Grateful

A few days ago after Lottie got home from school we sat on the couch

in the living room and read books together. 
Sometimes I read to her, and sometimes she reads to me.
(I love when she reads to me!)
I can hardly wait for her to get home so we can read
together-- especially since I pulled out the Halloween and fall books!

Tonight after I put Lottie in her bed and covered her up,

 she told me that she had a story to tell me.

So I turned off her light, and sat down on a 

red tiny wooden chair next to her bed and listened.

She told me about 'lion island' and two little birds who lived there.  

From her description of this island, it sounds like it's a really colorful place.

In her dark bedroom surrounded by the light glow of the new

 jack-o-lantern that I picked up while at Walmart earlier in the afternoon,

 I noticed her little eyes were growing heavy.

Then her words became spaced out until there 

was silence except for but her soft relaxed breathing.

I smooched her cheeks, tucked her in tight, then walked down the

stairs into the dark kitchen.

I walked into the laundry room where 

I loaded a pile of whites from the washer to the dryer,

then I unloaded the dishwasher and 

then thought about my brother Topher who is one of the most

amazing men that I will ever know.

I can't think about him without getting a giant lump in my throat,

and I think about him ALL THE TIME.

I went from the kitchen to my bedroom and straight into my
 bed where I cried myself to sleep next to Christian.

My heart feels heavy and grateful all at the same time.

I wish I could be at Christopher's Xanadu play next weekend

to support him, and the Rocky Mountain ALS Chapter.

And I think I could use a good laugh,

and this play is suuuuper funny.

I love you Topher

Spiritual Enlightenment: Just as He Did

XanaDONT get ALS.

The worst part about living over 2000 miles

 away from ALL MY siblings

in Utah is that I miss out on amazing events 

especially when my brother Christopher is involved.

And there is a very special event happening next weekend:

XANADU.

Topher sent this message out to his friends and family,

 and I want to share it with you:

"People are posting golden shirtless pictures of me and talking about Xanadu.

 I realize I should give you more more context!

.

I directed a production of Xanadu at the Orem Hale Center Theatre in 2011. 

It's probably the nuttiest, most ridiculous thing I've ever done, 

and that's saying something. 

It's based on one of the worst movies ever made made: 

a 1980 musical romp about Olivia Newton-John as a Greek 

muse on roller skates, featuring music by the Electric Light Orchestra. 

It's a cult classic. I grew up with a group of friends who watched it religiously.

.

After my diagnosis in 2016, my good friend and choreographer

 asked me what would cheer me up. I told her I wanted to see Xanadu again. 

So she heroically remounted it. 

Most of the original cast returned, some taking a leave from Broadway to do it.

 It was exactly what my family and I needed.

.

Three years later we're ready to laugh again!! 

The gang is getting back together for five shows only, Sept. 25-28, 

at Hale Center Theatre in Orem. It's a late show so drink a Red Bull 

and DRESS 80's if you want!! 

It's a total riot and I give you my word: 

You've never seen anything like it. 

Lisa and I will be at every performance to say hi!!

.

Proceeds go to the Rocky Mountain ALS Chapter, 

a local organization that assists families dealing with this BS disease.

.

Buy tickets at 801.226.8600 or online at halecentertheatre.org.

If you live in Utah, you NEED TO SEE THIS play.

It's so strange, and so weird, and so funny, and so Topher!

If you go, will you PLEASE give him a hug from his favorite

sister wayyyy out here in North Carolina!!!??

ALSO: He typed the above message with his eyes

on his fancy eye tracker interface computer!!!!

Same things

This photo might not mean anything to you-
but it means a lot to me,
and our family, and especially to Christian.
Someday we'll talk about it.

But now my eyes are going cross-eyed and disappearing into my
computer screen. I am exhausted.

Today was one of those in every direction delightfully busy days.

But when it was time to end the day we were all together
under one roof safe and complete.

I happened to look at a blog post I wrote five years ago
while we were living in Fox Hill.
I was doing just about the same things that I am
today, just with bigger humans, and different activities.
I was grateful and loved my life back then
 just as much as today.
A lot has changed since 2014,
 but the most important things haven't,
and that's what makes me truly happy.

The News

Claire: Started a new little nanny/chauffeur job today!

Go Claire!  

Jane...loves the Harvest Spice trail mix at Trader Joe's, 

and sadly it only comes during the autumn months.

 Today the mix hit the shelves so I grabbed several sacks

 and sent Jane a video text to share the

 good news of the return of this deliciousness.

The video is of me dancing to the song "Hello Again" by The Cars.

You heard that Ric Ocasek, who is the lead singer of The Cars

passed away a few days ago, and since Jane is my 80's baby

naturally she was the one who told me of his passing.

I thought it appropriate to celebrate his life, and our love for trail mix

to that epic song. (Also THIS)

Oliver....resumed football practice after weeks with a sprained foot, yahooo!

He is ready to take those Chargers on to victory!

Nicholas....had a ginormous tooth pulled today. 

Since he has a severe case of dental phobia, 

I didn't tell him when I dropped him off at school this morning

that I'd be back in a few short hours to take him to the dentist.

It was a rough pull.

Lottie...enjoyed her first day with her permanent 2nd grade teacher, Ms. V!

Then if that wasn't exciting enough, her very favorite teacher

 Ms. L came over to have dinner with us!

Mr. Nielson got some medicine to relive his canker sores.

  Thank you to the drug company who invented this stinky miracle drug.

I bought a few Halloween decorations while at the store today,

and took a 15 minute power nap after homework and before

dinner prep. Thumbs up.

Instinctive

Yesterday afternoon Lottie sat on the couch in my bedroom 

 with my button box--the same one I've had since I was 10 years old.

I noticed she was picking out buttons and putting them into groups.

I watched her closer and realized she was paring the

mismatched buttons into families.

I did the SAME thing on Sunday afternoons in the living room

in front of the fireplace with my mom's button box.

It was fun to remember

some of my earliest and fondest memories through Lottie.

All-Knowing

*I don't want to freak anyone out,

 but today is FRIDAY THE 13TH.*

Once a week Christian and I try and go out on a lunch date

so we can go over our calendar, 

plan for up coming events, but mostly so we can talk about our children.

We discuss what they need

 emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and physically.

We talk about what we can do to help them succeed and be happy.

Today in the little corner of the restaurant we both began crying

as we talked about Claire leaving to college

 and beginning a new chapter in her life--and our lives too.

This realization has been harder than I thought it would be.

When we lived in Utah I wasn't too concerned with her leaving

for school since I was pretty sure she'd end up going to school in

the west, specifically Utah.

But living in North Carolina is a game changer and is causing

me anxiety and heartbreak, the good kind...(if there is such a thing)

knowing she will probably leave the nest....and soon.

(She used to look like this, like just yesterday, didn't she?)

Then Christian and I talked about planning one last temple trip this month

to the South Carolina Temple which is over 4 hours away.

  Next month our new Raleigh Temple will be open,

 and will only be 30 minutes from us and we can't wait.

We looked at our calendar to find a good day for our visit

 and EVERY SINGLE DAY IS BUSY except 

for ONE DAY which had NOTHING scheduled or planned.

It was meant to be.

I know God loves me and knew I needed and wanted

 to serve in the temple, and since He is all-knowing,

I'm pretty sure He allowed for next Wednesday to be

open so Christian and I can dedicate our day for Him.

He does things like that for me all the time.

If you are reading my blog and you live close by, please come

and see this gorgeous sacred building while it is open to the public.

Anyone is welcome!!

Spiritual Enlightenment: Stand Forever (one of my favorite talks)

Partners

A few nights ago I ran into a very good friend in a parking lot.

She is so busy and we don't talk as much as we'd like,

 but when I do get to see her we talk as if we 

had never been apart.  She's more like a sister to me.

And after talking in the middle of the road

I decided to hop into her car to chat for just "a few more minutes".

We ended up talking for over 2 hours.

She and I have almost identical feelings towards almost everything in life,

including our husbands.

We cherish the men who we are bound to forever and consider them

 our best friends, and most trusted confidants.

They listen and calm us, they advise, support, and protect us.

We both agreed that these men of ours are who we want to

 spend all our time with, and most the time with no one else.

Christian and I like the same stuff (except garlic stuff....yuck),

feel deeply about the same things

(the gospel, child-rearing, and Friday Night Lights),

have the same taste in things (cars, furniture, and art),

and we have the same goals and dreams

 (serve a mission, business adventures and, excising...

to name a few).

"...They work together as partners. 

They pray, play, struggle, grow, and enjoy life together. 

They sacrifice for each other and encourage each other

 to be all they were born to be."

(WWN)

I love you Christian.

God-fearing people everywhere

We will never forget.

"Today, the world remembers the tragic events of September 11, 2001. 

We are still shocked and dismayed at the infamy of those cowardly attacks.

"During the past year, we have come to know the heroic acts 

of men and women whose courage and selflessness 

were manifest on that terrible day. 

So many lost their lives. 

So many friends and families have been deprived of dear ones. 

Today we pause to remember and join in tribute to those whose

 lives were taken and to those who have carried on so bravely in their absence.

"We know that much good has come of these dreadful circumstances. 

From the smoke and ashes of New York, Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania, 

and other areas of the world has arisen a greater sense of unity and

 purpose in ridding the earth of evil and providing for the freedom

 and security of all people.

 We endorse the righteous efforts of God-fearing people 

everywhere in this important endeavor.

"May our Father in Heaven smile upon us all, comfort those who

 continue to mourn, and guide the leaders of nations in the quest for

 justice and liberty, is our sincere prayer."

-Gordon B. Hinckley

Transformation

September on the lake is bliss; the water is calm 

and delightfully warm, and the bugs plentiful.

We have a good month (at least) left of amazing days on the water.

My favorite time here in North Carolina, 

(and anywhere really) is when the air gets 

cooler and the trees change.

I don't quite feel fall in the air yet, but will patiently wait for it.

Last night around the dinner table I talked to the Nies 

about my desire for the change in the weather.

Summer to fall is my favorite change.

Our conversation then lead perfectly to a discussion about Paul in the Bible.

He had quite a transformation from a Christian-hater to a Apostle of the Lord.

In 2 Corinthians 5:17 we read,

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: 

old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

His is an amazing story of change, forgiveness, repentance, and faith.

I asked the Nies to think of examples in nature that go

 through remarkable transformations and become new creatures.

We thought of things like trees, flowers, plants, seeds, 

and then Lottie mentioned the butterfly which is THE perfect example.

I reminded the Nies that we too can change and 

 transform to become "new creatures".

We can be better and we can try harder, and through Christ we can transform

into something greater and more majestic than we even imagined.

That knowledge is so hopeful!